Watch Gravhounds send good boys to sci-fi battle

The world of interstellar exploration just got a whole lot more chaotic, and indie developer Octopus Panic is leading the charge. During the Gamescom Opening Night Live, the studio unveiled Gravhounds, a new action-builder game that plunges players into a future defined by daring cosmic colonization and brutal survival.

The reveal trailer painted a vivid picture of a far-future where the stars aren’t just distant pinpricks—they are the domain of humanity’s most ambitious endeavors. But what truly sets Gravhounds apart is the inhabitants themselves. The titular Gravhounds, though possessing a humanoid appearance, hint at a complex history, suggesting that some form of genetic engineering played a pivotal role in shaping their existence in this harsh new reality.

This is no peaceful voyage. The game throws players onto a hostile alien world where the primary objective shifts from simple exploration to intense resource management and desperate survival. Players must work together as a crew of Gravhounds, racing against the elements and the terrifying forces of the alien environment.

Gameplay revolves around the dynamic interplay between building and battling. Players must strategically gather resources to establish a sustainable colony while simultaneously fortifying their vessels and defenses. Survival hinges on making crucial upgrades, which become essential when the Gravhounds face overwhelming assaults from alien forces determined to wipe them out.

Whether tackling the challenges solo or coordinating a crew of up to four players, Gravhounds demands tactical thinking. The core experience focuses on crafting, strategic growth, and high-stakes combat, offering a deep dive into the mechanics of interstellar survival.

Octopus Panic is giving players plenty of time to master this new frontier. The game will launch with an early access period lasting at least six months, allowing the team to flesh out the breadth and depth of the Gravhound experience. Both solo and cooperative campaigns will be playable during this initial release phase.

Mark your calendars: Gravhounds will hit PC and Xbox Series X|S on November 2nd. Plus, players can jump right into the action on day one via Xbox Game Pass, making this epic interstellar adventure accessible to a wider audience.